5 Chia Seed Side Effects That You Probably Were Not Aware Of, Because It's Possible To Overdo It With This Miracle Food

It's probably safe to assume that at least one of your friends is obsessed with chia seeds (and that friend might actually be you). With everyone talking about how amazing they can be for you, it's easy to get swept away and not realize the side effects chia seeds may have.

I had a roommate who absolutely loved chia seeds so much that she'd incorporate it into each and every meal, from her smoothie and yogurts to her lunch and dinner. While I wanted to join in, I was hesitant, as I've always been the type to speculate the latest health crazes. Although chia seeds' benefits may not be the newest discovery, I wanted to find out and learn more about the potential side effects these mystery seeds might have. As it turns out, chia seeds can sometimes be dangerous to your health.

I mean, we could all definitely use a little more fiber in our lives, at least I know I can, but what may be surprising is that eating chia seeds can actually cause a couple of side effects that you didn't know could happen.

2. Low Blood Pressure/Bleeding

Because of chia seeds' high source of Omega-3 fatty acids, they can actually cause your blood to thin out. It could also cause your blood pressure to lower drastically if you already deal with that health issue. If you already have low blood pressure or if you are already taking prescribed blood thinners, make sure to proceed with caution and ask your doctor if your chia seed intake is OK.

5. Potential Effects On Pregnant Women

Although how chia seeds affect pregnant woman is not totally known, "most health authorities advise pregnant and breast-feeding women to stay on the safe side and avoid the use of chia seeds until more research has been done." While it may be uncertain whether chia seeds do affect pregnant women, it's probably better to skip on the seeds for nine months.

Again, I'm not trying to persuade you from eating chia seeds as there are an unending amount of positive benefits, but should you choose to add chia seeds in great amounts to your diet, educate yourself about the potential benefits and be sure to consult a doctor if you have any questions or concerns.